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CUKC Named Platinum Healthy KC Workplace

Nov16201810:00AM

Following another year committed to positive health initiatives, Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) was named one of the healthiest workplaces in Kansas City for 2018. The University was recognized by the Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Action Team, as one of only 75 companies in the Kansas City metro to achieve "Platinum Level Healthy KC Certified" status. Platinum status is the highest designation offered by the group.

The Healthy KC Workplace Wellness Action Team is a division of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce that works in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. The action team makes status recommendations based on a Workplace Certification Application that is completed by area entities that wish to participate. The application examines health and wellness actions across five pillars of health: nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, work-life integration, and design and built environment.

The recognition for CUKC came after the action team determined that the policies in place at the University fully promote workplace health and wellness. The institution has been recognized as a healthy work place since 2016, and continually strives to encourage good health among its employees. The movement has been embraced by the administration, faculty and staff, and continues to grow in size and scope.

Dale Marrant, vice president of human resources and organizational development at CUKC, leads the movement for positive health among employees at the University. He is proud that CUKC has been recognized as a Platinum Certified Company, and he is pleased with the effort put forth by all involved to make it possible.

"Consistent with our vision to be recognized as a leader in health promotion, we strive hard to bring our employees a full range of health and wellness tools, resources, and services," Marrant said. "Our efforts include complimentary access to care at our chiropractic health center, an on-site fitness facility, healthy meal options through our dining services, access to affordable and innovative health care plans, as well as a wide variety of voluntary health and wellness activities which are planned and carried out by our Wellness CREW made up of volunteers from our staff, faculty, and administrators. We look forward to continuing to serve as a leader of health and wellness within the Kansas City employer community."

CUKC was one of 214 area companies recognized by the action team. The 2018 breakdown of Workplace Wellness Certified Healthy KC companies included 75 at platinum status, 59 at gold, 59 at silver, 17 at bronze, and four received honorable mentions. Companies must re-apply each year to be considered for the workplace designation. The purpose for the collaboration between Healthy KC, the Chamber, and Blue Cross Blue Shield is to advocate for solutions that help shape individual, organizational, and environmental health change.